FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS
Support for you and your children
Every parent’s priority is to provide the best environment to support their child’s health as they develop and grow. Parents visit osteopaths for a range of reasons to support their child’s health.
Children, like adults, can be affected by general joint and muscle issues, which is one of the reasons people visit an osteopath. Parents will also take their children to visit an osteopath for a variety of other health reasons that may benefit from osteopathic care.
Understanding there are different needs at different stages
Children’s requirements differ depending on the stage of their development. As they grow from infants, toddlers, children to teenagers, your osteopath will consider your child’s individual needs, age and stage of development, and adapt their advice and treatment accordingly.
Many osteopaths work with local midwives, other health professionals and GPs. If required, they may recommend your child be referred to another specialist health professional to ensure that your child receives the best possible care.
You do not need to consult your GP before you visit an osteopath, although you may wish to do so.
Osteopathic care
Osteopathic care is based on the individual needs of the patient and so varies depending on your occupation, age, fitness levels and diagnosis.
How can osteopathy help?
As osteopathic care is based on the individual needs of the patient, it will vary depending on your child’s age and the diagnosis. When you first visit an osteopath, you’ll be asked about the reason you have brought your child and their medical history. For babies and young children, this may include information about their birth. Your osteopath will complete a thorough examination to determine if osteopathic care is appropriate to support your child’s health. After this examination, your osteopath will discuss the care available and you will then jointly decide on an appropriate and suitable plan, along with any likely associated costs. This care plan may involve several visits and will often include relevant health advice. Your child’s treatment may begin at the first appointment.
What does osteopathic care and treatment involve?
Osteopaths generally use a wide range of gentle hands-on techniques that focus on releasing tension, improving mobility and optimising function, together with relevant health advice. Those working with children are trained in very gentle techniques which are particularly suitable to assess and treat very young children, including newborns.
Research and Evidence
Research has shown that people trust their osteopaths and are extremely satisfied with their experience of osteopathic care*. This provides parents confidence in the level of care their children can expect to receive. You can also find more on the evidence and research in osteopathic practice from the National Council of Osteopathic Research.